Make your own new normal, don’t wait for others to make it for you

In March and April of 2020, I heard directly from numerous small business owners and understand that the challenges created by COVID-19 are overwhelming. Many described feeling paralyzed and overwhelmed, which has led to inaction and an inability to pivot or make thoughtful plans or decisions. This is such a normal place to be during this unprecedented time and we wanted to help, by offering support to let you know that you are not alone, your feelings are normal and there is a way to start down the path toward action. 

 

On Wednesday, April 22, I led two interactive sessions with local business leaders and experts to discuss ways to begin to re-imagine your business during this unprecedented time.  

Unfortunately, as a small business owner, there is a crisis to lead through every few years.  While this COVID-19 crisis is different from anything any of us has led through previously, there are core principles that are consistent to be able to make your own new normal, instead of  waiting for others to make it for you:

Get tough  - to get through tough times, business owners need to get tough as well. Set aside your guilt to be able to focus on yourself and your business.Disconnect - Take the time to figure out what’s best for you and focus on that.  Turn off the phone, turn off the computer, pauseCreate a plan - Even though these are uncertain times, business leaders must establish some level of certainty for our employees and customers.  It’s critical for them to see that you’ve got a plan, even if it ends up being wrong.

About Greg Teesdale

[Photo]  Guidance to small, emerging companies in the development of their business strategies, detailed business plans, and business processes.

Specialties: 30+ years at venture-backed emerging growth companies with 20+ years at the C-level.

About Lea Marquez Peterson

[Photo] Commissioner Márquez Peterson has been an entrepreneur in our community for many years and served as the President/ CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber from 2009 until November of 2018. The Tucson Hispanic Chamber serves the business community in the bilingual, bi-cultural region of the Arizona-Sonora border and was recognized as the Hispanic Chamber of the Year in 2013 by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The chamber represents over 1800-member businesses and in partnership with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of the largest chambers in the State of Arizona.

Lea ran for Congress in Arizona Congressional District 2 in 2018 and won a competitive primary race. During her campaign she was endorsed by Governor Ducey, Senator Kyl, Lea enjoyed meeting thousands of people in the region and tackling many key issues impacting Arizona.

She previously served as the Executive Director for Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) from 2005 to 2009 and owned and operated a Business Brokerage Firm from 2005 to 2009 and a chain of six gasoline stations/convenience stores with 50 employees from 1998 to 2005 in the Tucson region.

Episode Mentions

National Association of Women Business OwnersArizona Corporation CommissionArizona Commerce AuthorityRio NuevoSmall Business Development Centers (Pima Community College)Local First ArizonaJeffrey Gitomer - Little Red Book of SellingPima County Workforce Investment BoardDowntown Tucson Partnership